I had some good conversations with Rob Morse of The Polite Society. Rob was asking some good questions about he attacks in Chattanooga on the Recruiting Stations and this led to a good discussion that maybe – just maybe – we’re not training to the right Mindset in our Defensive courses.

Normally, any of the Traditional Martial Arts, and the Martial Arts with High Kinetic Energy all train with the notion that the best fight is the one you don’t get into. Meaning that if you can avoid a fight, then do so by all means necessary. But maybe that’s not the case anymore.

The classic crime we defend from is basically strong arm robbery, burglary, maybe a home invasion, mugging, or car-jacking. As bad as they are, they are no where near the level of the Mass-Shooting and Terror Attacks we’re seeing more and more of. See, the good old fashioned crime, the Thug/Bad Guy/Scumbag/Threat; he’s after your Property. Money. Credit Cards. Car. Hubcaps… Stuff. He wants your stuff. In those cases, the Traditional methodology is correct. Stuff can be replaced. So drop your cash and run if running is an option. Or toss your wallet and hit the gas. If your in the back of the store and Thugs come in the front to hold up the place – escape out the back. If you can, help others escape out the back while you cover their exit – and then you leave. That’s the right thing to do.

But that’s no always the case anymore. Now the Threat/Terrorist/Bad Guy isn’t after your Property. They are after your life and lives of everyone else around you. This is where it’s different. Things have changed and dropping your stuff and bolting may or may not be the right answer anymore. Let’s say you are armed and some maniac comes in with an AK-47 and starts shooting up the place. You hear the shots, some people scream and chaos ensues. You help some folks out the back exit and they run to safety. Now, you are armed. You have a decision to make. Do you engage the threat or do you run away as well?

The Army taught us a simple phrase that has a lot of questions that go with it. “The METT Dictates”. METT means “Mission”, “Enemy”, “Terrain”, and “Time”. So there are a lot of variables to consider in your exact situation, location and what the bad guy is doing. Let’s say your in a familiar office setting. Like the above situation you have helped people to safety. You are armed with a pistol such as say, a S&W Bodyguard .380… which is a popular Concealed Carry Pistol, and one that is quite good. The threat doesn’t know you are there and you know the building. Should you take action or should you retreat? I don’t know. But your ability to engage and stop or delay that threat is really not all that great. Maybe you should exfiltrate and go about your merry.

Now let’s say you are armed with a SIG 229 in .357 SIG in that same situation. You have more capacity with a more accurate and more potent firearm. You have a greater chance of stopping that threat. Ending that rampage, or at least reducing that threat’s ability to rampage as effectively or freely. This situation swings in your favor so you have that choice to make. Do you stay and fight or do you withdraw? What’s the right choice here?

Let’s look at the results of these shootings. Almost all of the time, the threat is ended with confronted with with an armed resistance. The shooter dies, surrenders, or turns his own gun on himself. Either way – the threat is neutralized. Or in some cases when the shooter runs out of people to kill, he then kills himself.

If he doesn’t end himself, and he’s not been stopped… we’ve seen them move on to another location to do more harm. This is what happened with the Marine Recruiting Stations. The Terrorist shoots up one place and having met no resistance, moves on to another location where he kills people.

At that scene a weapon was found that didn’t belong to the Shooter or the responding LEO’s. It is guessed that someone in there used that firearm in self defense and the defense of others. We don’t know all the details. But we can imagine that the Warrior Spirits of those Marines compelled them to engage. The shooter was killed. Like I said – we don’t know what went down. But what would have happened if this guy didn’t face any resistance there? Would he have moved on to another military recruiting office? Maybe a school or a mall? We don’t know. But giving what we’ve learned about this terrorist, it’s likely that he would not have stopped until someone else stopped him.

The Navy Yard in VA. Fort Hood in Texas. And other high profile terrorist acts… Trolley Square in SLC. These terroristic attacks ended when a good guy with a gun stopped that threat.

Given that situation, ask yourself; should you be ready to take an offensive defense and move to engage or should you flee? Are you morally justified in moving to engage? Here’s my take. I think if you are in a position with the means and ability and a chance of stopping that terrorist then not only should you engage… but I feel that you have the moral obligation to do so.

Now, I’m not talking about your average Joe Snuffy CCW Permit Holder. I’m talking about men and women who have take more advanced training and or have some good solid experience in shooting under stress. Former Military or Law Enforcement. That guys that shoot competitions. The guys that might actually have a chance of ending that terrorist. I’m talking about Sheepdogs. You guys. (Probably most everyone that reads my blog) YOU have the moral obligation to fight. Because if you don’t… who knows what else that terrorist is going to do. But with all due respect to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Terrorists will not drop their weapons and walk away. That doesn’t happen. Ever. Just the opposite in fact. They are emboldened and energized and will do more harm than before.

This is a mind-set issue here. We’re talking about moral responsibility and obligation to not just save yourself and family, but your neighbors as well. Call the cops, yes. But unless they are already there – you need to step up. If a pan of grease on your stove ignites – sure you can call the Fire Department. But it would be more effective and beneficial for everyone for you to put a lid on that pan and put that fire our yourself.

I’ve now spent 24 hours with my new Texas rig from Adams Holsters. I wore it last night, and I’ve been wearing it since I put on my pants this morning. What a great rig. Simple. I like that. I don’t need or want a complicated holster. I don’t want a system. I want a simple scabbard. This IWB rig is just that. The leather is beautifully finished and well formed. My Ruger SP101 pops into place and pops out like this was Kydex or something. Retention is not an issue because of that fit. The Clips are made of a spring-steel and are quite solid. I’m not worried about bending them like I am on other holsters. Comfort? Yeah, it’s comfortable. Concealable? Extremely. Last night I wore this rig and my gun with just a T-Shirt over it and I asked my wife if she could see it.
“No, I can’t… even knowing what to look for, there’s no bulge even.”
I’ll not tell you the rest of the conversation about her looking at my bulge… But the fact remains this rig keeps the gun very concealed. It holds the gun very tight against the body.
Comfortable… Concealable…
This is everything you want in a concealment rig.http://adamsholsters.com/

This is one of the very best firearms purchases I’ve ever made in my entire life. As far as revolvers go, the Match Champion is the pinnacle of the wheelgun genre. Designed to be a competitor to S&W’s SSR revolver… it is… but it’s more than that.

The sights, the chamfered cylinder, the trigger work… This is beyond something for mere gun games. Ruger just made the most serious production fighting revolver they have ever put out. The only thing that could make this better as a combat weapon, would be to subdue the stainless. And really for most purposes and situations, that’s not an issue.

In making this gun, Ruger certainly put a shot over S&W’s bow… or actually… a full Broadsides. This is beyond Smith’s SSR. I’d even say it’s going head to head against Smith’s R8/TRR8. Advantage to the Smith with 8 rounds in the cylinder… But the Smith can’t handle the loads that the GP100 can load. In the long run, the MC will still be shooting full throttle loads while the Smith is laid up, crippled, and begging for a merciful end.

And the Ruger is hands down a better looking gun. It’s lines are gorgeous. That Grip is just sexy. It feels good in a way S&W will never understand. Power and Glory. The MC has it. The MC is made of it. If you have been thinking about getting a Revolver. This is the one to get.

The FNH FNX 45 is one of the top contenders in the debate about what the new military pistol should be. It’s big, accurate, has a high capacity, and as reliable as the sunrise. It would be a great sidearm for any of our nation’s warriors.

Unless that warrior had small hands. Even with the replaceable backstraps… it’s still a large pistol to hold on to for a lot of people. Many would not be able to operate it as efficiently as would be ideal.

The HK HK45 on the other hand, is far more ergonomic and doesn’t feel as large. It’s as accurate and reliable as the FNX, but it doesn’t have the capacity. 12 instead of 15. So it’s a trade of. A few less rounds, but more comfortable and more people can shoot it easier. And… it’s a sexier looking pistol. Given the pros and cons… it’s a touch choice. What do you guys think? Pick one.
(My normal response of “Both” is of course already noted. But if you had to pick just one… pick one.)

Yes, I hate this gun, and I know it’s irrational. It’s a fine gun… shoots well enough and from my experience is reliable and easy to make accurate hits with. But I still hate it. Let me tell you why.

First time I really examined one was at Crusader Weaponry’s old Utah facility. Gundoc had one in for some custom work. He had it broken down to the smallest of pins, every single piece was disassembled from every other piece. In this state, I concluded from my observation that the Vector is a complicated firearm. I didn’t really favor it for that reason… I’m an Ogre and I prefer more robust, simpler designs. It’s not that it befuddles me or that I don’t understand the function of all the tiny bits… It’s just too complicated for my comfort.

Some time later, while I was still at Basin Sports, a customer ordered one in. On the day he came to pick it up and take it home, this proud Vector Papa asked me my opinion of it. I said basically what I just said here. “They seem to be fine guns, but they are too complicated for my personal tastes.”

Well, the sad customer actually went and cried about that to my Boss. Said he was so angry he wanted to jump over the counter and physically assault me. Which would have been very entertaining for about the 1.5 seconds before I broke his face and one of his arms. Trust me, that would have happened. You know how a Lion looks all tired and slow, yet can totally fuck up a whole pack of hyenas all the sudden when the situation requires? Still… this man’s Pee-Pee was so deep into that Vector that his feelings were ravaged by my comment that the gun was “Complicated“.

I was actually reprimanded about this. Me giving my opinions to customers… Even when directly asked… My opinion was a Basin Sports Hot Topic while I was there. Even though EVERYONE ELSE behind the Gun Counter always toss out their opinions like Rip Taylor tosses Confetti… and Salads, I was to keep my opinion in check. I actually had to apologize to the customer – for giving him the opinion that he asked for. Unreal. “I’m sorry I said your gun was complicated. I should have used smaller words.” Evidently my opinion causes violent reactions in those who have never lived outside of Vernal, Utah. This was also the moment when I realized that I needed to live outside of Vernal, Utah. Hence my response to people who asked why I moved. “It’s complicated.”

I’ve just never really cared for the Vector since that time. I’ve shot them several times since then. Never had a problem. But for the life of me – I still just can’t get over my irrationally hard feelings against the Vector.

See, this is the problem. I want to like this gun. I like the fact that it’s a new design that came from not just thinking outside of the box… but inventing a whole new box to think in. That makes it cool.

I was pleased to see that the potential for Anti-Gun Politics to flare up didn’t happen. The shooter had a photo with the Confederate Flag on his Facebook Page, so obviously the Bad Guy here is the Confederate Flag… So in order to stop Hate, people are pulling down all the Confederate Flags everywhere.
You know what? I’m fine with that. Let’s throw the General Lee’s Battle Flag under the bus. That’s our Scape Goat for this horror, so be it. But then they started talking pulling down books, movies, and video games. And there’s talk of pulling down statues and a National Monument.
Wait one second.
American History may not be all Rocket’s Red Glare… but it’s our History. We need to OWN IT. For good or bad, it’s our history… OURS. We need to Remember It. We need to Learn from it. So we don’t need to Repeat it. Glossing over the bothersome bits… glossing over the parts we don’t like… the parts that make us uncomfortable… is intellectually dishonest.

What is called the Confederate Flag was really not the Confederate Flag. It was Robert E Lee’s Battle Flag during The War of Norther Aggression. To some, it’s a symbol of Hate. To others it’s a symbol of Rebellion. To others, it’s a symbol of Southern Pride. And to others it is a part of our collective American History. To the Democrats, it’s all about that Southern Pride. The Democrats with deep ties to Racism and all it’s ugly collateral that goes with it, loved the “Dixie Flag”. Bill Clinton’s campaign used the hell out of it. So did so many Democrats around the south. Personally, to me, it’s the Rebellion. The standing up to and fighting against the Federal Government. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT IT WAS.

I don’t care if you like it or not. You don’t have to like it. But you should respect it. Before you call for it’s removal, you should understand it’s significance. Censuring that flag as a symbol of hate is just ignorant. Especially when other things are not censured. Such as the Swastika. Che Guevara T-Shirts. Censuring one and not all… means your offended Self Absorbed Holier than Thou situational Moral High Ground is a Fraud. It’s False. So that means that you are either ignorant or dishonest. One or the other… maybe both. If we’re going to censure hate – there’s so much out there that also needs to be censured. And if that’s what you’re wanting to do… Then you become one of those tyranical, hysterical book burners and you’ve just become that very thing you’ve been against. Congratulations, you slobbering moron.

Own your History. Learn from your History. And don’t Repeat the bad History.

It’s been fun packing the SP101. Having a .357 Magnum on you is… what’s the right word? Liberating. There’s a certain feeling of confidence I’m getting with this SP101 that I’ve not felt since… Since I first starting packing.

As you can see from the above image, I’ve changed the grips from the factory squared grips – which honestly I didn’t really care for – to these nice Hogue Monogrips. The difference in feel is night and day. This is almost a completely different gun now. Not only does it feel so much better, but it actually carries better because the butt of the gun is not squared off, but tapers down nicely. It hides better too. It’s just – better. In firing, it dampens the recoil a bit better than stock too. Not a whole lot, but it’s there.
If you are still running factory – I seriously recommend the change. Unless of course, these just don’t fit your evidently Sasquatch-Like Paws.

Typically I’m packing the gun with 10 rounds standing by for reloading. I do not feel like I’m at any disadvantage. 15 rounds of .357 Magnum is plenty for normal concealed carry. If I need more, I’ll get my backup gun… which is an 870 Street Howitzer. If I need more than that – I’m calling the Cavalry.
The load I’m carrying remains the Federal 158 grain SJHP. With which I am satisfied. For the time being. Until I am convinced something else is tangibly better in this application. Normally I’m a Hornady fan or a PDX1… but .357 Magnum is a different animal altogether. The bullets do not need to be so fancy. Just heavy and fast.
When I get my holsters from Adams Holsters, I’ll be packing the GP100 Match Champion as my main gun, and the SP101 will become the secondary. As intended. But for now… This little Magnum is serving admirably.

The Ruger SP101 just impresses the hell out of me. I love it. A friend of mine let me borrow one a long time ago for an article in Concealed Carry Magazine. (Read That Here) Ever since I shot Norse’s little Magnum, I’ve wanted one.

And finally, after all these years I finally have one of my own. I’m quite happy with it. Probably the most satisfying of gun purchases I’ve ever made. Should have got one Eons ago.

Some things I want to do with it. Gold Bead front sight post. Nice wood grips. Trigger job. Deep target crown. All in due time. I’m in no rush. Like a few other guns – this one is going to be with me forever. It’s going to be my main concealment gun.

Now, the platform is one thing. The carry ammo is another. .357 magnum has a lot of great options out there. Everyone that makes ammo, makes .357. And I do like heavy for caliber… so I’m thinking at least 158 grains, and it’s gotta be loaded hot.

Brought home a set of Ruger twins. Two guns I’ve wanted for years and today I just said “Screw it… I’m getting them.” So I did. Full power .357 Magnum Goodness Gracious.
I’ve not shot them yet. First, I have some work to do on them. They need some smoothing. Out of the box Rugers are not the slickest of actions or triggers.

The SP101 needs a new set of grips, or inserts. Not digging them. The Match Champion is awesome. Still needs to be slicked up, but I love it.
I will also need a couple good holsters. And when I say I need holsters, I only look to one source. My exclusive holster maker. I will not carry them in anything less.

There’s something just… Honest about revolvers. With Autos there is so much BS when it comes to “Reliability” and chest pounding when it comes to what Elite Unit uses your gun. Revolvers just ARE. They are inherently accurate and as reliable as any gun can possibly be. They are easy to shoot well with. And dang if they don’t look good.

I’m tired of Tantos. Once again the Tanto Rage is in full swing and all the new blades I’ve been seeing… the ones other guys are all “Look at this” all about… They are all Tantos. The Tanto design is completely over rated. While it has it’s Pro’s, I’ve found over time that the Cons are out-weighting them. I’m not going to go into a Nut’n Fancy detailed breakdown of all the points and elements. These should be apparent to you… you’re a big boy and Google is your friend.

I use my knives a lot. My “Tactical” knives – most guys keep them well oiled and unused in their “Kit”. Totally razor sharp. In case of Zombies, or a call from SECDEF requesting the use of their particular sets of skills. I’m not that guy anymore. So all my throat slitting, 4/5 rib punchers get used for other things. Like what they are designed to actually do – cut things. Not “Testing” by chopping tree limbs, bending the blade sideways or all the other “Torture” tests people do. No, I used them to cut things. Like food. My Combat Bowie? That’s become my favorite BBQ knife. I don’t care if a blade is forged by Hephaestus himself out of meteorite and the souls of fallen Samurai. It’s pulling KP over here. It’s going to open packages. It’s going to slice sheets of vinyl. It’s going to do the every day menial tasks that is of the peasant class, not the warrior class.

I’ve found that Tanto knives are cool looking, but they don’t like to really work. For the most part, much of the cutting ends up happening at the point of the blade where there should be a wide curve. Instead there is a sharp angle. This is an exaggeration of the original design and is a modern invention from fantasy. And it puts all the cutting in real world use at that point. Which will dull easily and quickly regardless of how elite the steel is. Now, I’m not talking about swords or sword length blades. I’m talking about knives. One handed, and generally under 18 inches of blade length.

I feel no sense of history or belonging with a Tanto. It’s not culturally connected to my heritage. Of course, the blade that does connect with me culturally is of little actual field use either… but I know it’s a part of my family history in early times before they came to America. These are actually good for deboning and slicing baked goods. But that’s not entirely the point either. When I pick up a Tanto, there is no connection to my past in any way. They feel hollow to me these days. There is no feeling patriotism. I have one tanto bladed knife left. It was a gift from friends… I will never part with it. All my other Tantos have been given away or just lost and I’ve not bothered searching for them.

My favorite blade, that touches on my American Heritage, and makes me feel that sense of “this belongs here”… are the Bowie Knives.

Bowies can be big and beautiful. They can be elegant and refined. They speak of our Frontier History as a razor sharp national icon. The Bowie is as American as the 1911 pistol and a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The actual history of the Bowie has some questions as to the design. The first Bowie Knife designed by Jim Bowie, carried and used famously by Jim Bowie… we don’t know what that knife looks like. Or the actual size. It was just reported to be a big freaking knife. But the modern style of what we call a Bowie fills the void of details just fine. The style is unique in a large blade, and translates well into smaller blades. It’s beautiful and it’s effective… and best yet it actually works.

Now, I’m not about high polished elegance and all that. I like working blades. Just like my guns. They need to speak of their use and capability. They need to tell you just by their appearance that they will do horrible things to you. They need to tell you to be careful with them… and that they don’t care if they have to hurt. That’s a real Bowie to me. One of my favorites that says all that is from ZOMBIE TOOLS. These guys got the Bowie just right. And added some serious DGAF attitude.

I think that’s probably the #1 thing that Tantos just don’t have. Attitude. They don’t don’t have that machismo. CHARACTER. The most interesting man in the world wouldn’t carry or use a Tanto. Most importantly… a Tanto is unfit for use in preparing and serving BBQ and spending the day Grilling.